A 37-year-old pub regular faces a lengthy prison term after a jury convicted him of manslaughter for delivering a single punch that killed a 66-year-old grandfather outside a village pub. Nathan Gothard struck David Darke, causing a fatal brain injury when Darke’s head hit the ground. The incident followed Gothard’s rejected advances toward a woman during a night out.
Incident Unfolds at The Crown Inn
On the evening before Christmas, Gothard, an unemployed man living near The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire, began drinking at the pub from 4 p.m. Darke arrived later with colleagues from a nearby Best Western hotel for their Christmas gathering.
Gothard made unwelcome advances and remarks to women in the group, creating a tense atmosphere described as menacing and argumentative. He acted as if the pub was his territory. Lucy Hawkins, part of the Best Western group, reported that Gothard stared at her creepily after she declined his drink offer, leaving her uncomfortable.
The pub landlady and her partner escorted Gothard outside to calm him, urging him to go home, but he refused. A fight ensued with Ty Fern, one of Darke’s colleagues. Gothard lost the brawl, getting knocked down and kicked in the face.
The Fatal Blow
Darke then helped Gothard to his feet. Moments later, Gothard punched Darke in the face with tremendous force, sending him backward. Darke suffered a fractured skull and brain bleed, falling unconscious. He died six days later in hospital on December 27, with his organs donated.
CCTV footage captured Gothard being knocked down and helped up by Darke. The punch occurred off-camera. Witnesses noted Darke did nothing to break his fall. After the strike, Gothard bounced on his toes in celebration before walking home with his uncle, leaving others to aid the stricken man.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
At Leicester Crown Court, Gothard denied murder and manslaughter, claiming self-defense. He argued Darke threatened to ‘bury him,’ prompting a preemptive strike. Gothard admitted knowing he caused serious harm upon hearing Darke’s head hit the ground but insisted no intent to kill.
The jury acquitted him of murder but found him guilty of manslaughter on Thursday. Darke’s family shouted ‘yes’ in the public gallery and wept as the verdict was read. Gothard remains in custody awaiting sentencing on May 22.
His Honour Judge William John Hirons Harbage KC addressed Gothard: ‘You have been convicted of manslaughter. It is a very serious offence in itself and you can expect a significant custodial sentence as a result.’
Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC described Gothard as behaving boorishly that night, riling others and seeking a fight. ‘David Darke is dead because this oaf decided to hit him rather than walk round him,’ Joyce stated. He noted Gothard sought revenge after losing to Fern, attacking Darke to save face.
Family’s Tribute to Victim
Darke’s family portrayed him as a deeply loved father to three daughters, proud grandfather to three boys, cherished brother, and dear friend. They called him strong, active, intelligent, kind, with a passion for life, outdoors, nature, and walking. His life was ‘tragically cut short’ and he will be ‘sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.’
